Now that we have celebrated World Children's Day (Oct 16), let us take a break from our hectic daily schedule to once again contemplate the significance of dedicating a day especially for our children. In terms of physical health and childhood diseases, Malaysia has come a Very long way since independence. Health status indicators like neonatal, infant and toddler mortality rates of 6.8, 10.4 and 0.8 per 1000 as reported for 1995 compare favourably with developed nations. The implementation of preventive health, rural infrastructure and sanitation programmes have seen a remarkable drop in communicable diseases. Yet, as we approach the new millennium in a frenzy of rapid development, we cannot help but wonder about the future of our children. A few issues of concern need to be highlighted so that relevant authorities, child carers, doctors and parents could seek to work together for the common good of our children.

1. The spectre of substance abuse refuses to go away no matter what measures both the government and non-governmental organisations take. Narcotics, cigarettes, alcohol and now 'party' drugs like Ecstasy are increasingly abused by our young. This could be attributed to a number of factors like poor parental supervision, peer pressure and media influence such as subtle advertising by tobacco companies.

2. Sex and pregnancy related conditions and diseases are on the rise among our youth. Worries about HIV and AIDS are forever at the back of our minds as parents. Teenage sex and sexually transmitted diseases are real problems in our society now. Once again, lack of parental gui dance, ignorance about sex and Harmful mass media programmes all played a role in contributing to these problems.

3. The horrors of domestic violence, child abuse and neglect seem to be common day issues which are reported in the news media regularly. After the initial shock and disgust, the public forgets until the next horrifying case is highlighted. Having both parents who work is the norm nowadays. In any family, the child is the most disadvantaged in the family and becomes the natural victim when violence is the end result of a day's tension and pressure.

4. Obesity and consumption of junk food is another major concern nowadays. Families are too busy to prepare balanced home-cooked meals. Food labelling should be enforced, especially pertaining to junk and fast food. Unethical advertising gimmicks by fast food outlets need to be regulated.

5. Rapid industrialisation and urbanisation have been accompanied by a worrying trend of increased respiratory illnesses among.our children who live in the cities. Emissions from vehicles and factories surely play a role in diseases of the airways. Environmental pollution is another culprit but the Government must be lauded for enforcing strict legislation and environmental protection laws. Road accidents now rank as a major cause of mortality and morbidity. These accidents are due to the dense vehicular traffic in every town and city. The authorities should see to proper planning of emerging townships to ensure a safe and healthy living environment.

6. Erosion of social values and morals unfortunately has even affected our traditional culture and beliefs. The mass media and internet have been blamed for the corruption of our youths but surely we adults are partially responsible too. In the pursuit of material gains, we sometimes fail to distinguish between necessities and luxuries. We sacrifice special quality time with our children occasionally for the wrong reasons. The Education Ministry has taken a step in the right direction by incorporating the teaching of moral values into the curriculum. The effectiveness of the ways moral values are taught needs to be constantly evaluated and improved. Nevertheless, we must not forget that children require the daily guidance of their parents and family members, and this role can never be replaced or deputised by teachers. We should pause a while to put our lives, our families and our children in a proper perspective. They learn from us and from our examples. To ensure a new generation that will make us and our nation proud, we need to work hand in hand with the authorities and each other to provide a healthier, cleaner and better environment for our children. Not only in terms of physical health, but mental, spiritual and social health too.

We must realise that our children of today will be the parents of tomorrow. We reap what we sow.

Take good care of our children and the future will be a bright one for them and the nation.